Cumberland Island, Georgia

Entering the St Mary’s inlet on the Georgia / Florida border we had to move out of the main channel as this submarine made an exit from the local submarine base. Two fully manned Coast Guard Boats escorted this one with machine guns mounted at the ready. If the size of the submarine isn’t enough to get you to move over, the escort boats are!


Cumberland Island is the most southerly of Georgia’s many barrier islands, separating the ocean from extensive marshland. The whole island is now a National Park after the residents ceded their land many decades ago and for which a few remaining residents gained the privilege of using their cars. These are the only private vehicles allowed on the island. All roads are unpaved and consist of a mix of hard and soft sand.


Spanish Moss hangs from the Live Oak trees in the island’s interior.


Hiking paths criss-cross the island. The undergrowth is thick, mainly populated with small palm bushes.


Dungeness House, once owned and occupied by the Carnegie Family used to be the main Plantation House but, after a fire many years ago, now stands in ruins.


Raised boardwalks take visitors over the marshland and out onto the sand dunes. Free viewing binoculars help one observe the abundant wild life.


Oyster beds are easily seen when the tide is low.


This Turkey Buzzard grasps a small bird in it’s claws.


The Atlantic side of the Island has a very long, wide and gently sloping beach.


Birds look for food at low tide.


Stranded shellfish make a pretty good meal.